Leeds United’s transfer strategy this summer has been one of measured ambition, as the club looks to rebuild and strengthen its squad following a tumultuous period. The recent acquisition of German midfielder Anton Stach from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for a reported £19.9 million has been a major step in bolstering their midfield options. Stach, 26, is expected to play a pivotal role in Leeds’ push for promotion back to the Premier League. The deal sees him sign a four-year contract with Leeds, keeping him at Elland Road until 2029, and adding another layer of depth to a midfield already reinforced by the arrival of Sean Longstaff. Stach’s signing follows a busy summer of transfers that has seen manager Adam Underwood address several positions in need of strengthening, particularly in defense.
Underwood has already made significant progress in fortifying the backline, bringing in the likes of Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson. The defensive reinforcements have been part of a broader strategy to solidify the team’s spine, and with the addition of Longstaff and Stach, the midfield now looks considerably more robust. This has allowed Leeds to transition to focusing on other critical areas in the squad, including the search for a new goalkeeper, a replacement for the departed Manor Solomon, and a striker to compete with or potentially replace Lukas Nmecha, who remains the club’s first-choice forward.
The focus on these areas is not without reason. As Leeds continues to aim for promotion to the Premier League, the club must ensure they have sufficient quality and depth to compete across multiple fronts. Strengthening the goalkeeper position is crucial, as Leeds aim to bolster their defense and make the team more difficult to break down. The departure of Solomon, who had provided attacking flair and creativity during his short stint at Elland Road, leaves a gap in the wide areas that Leeds must address. Furthermore, the pursuit of a striker to challenge Nmecha reflects the need for more goals and greater attacking versatility. However, in the process of trying to address these needs, Leeds have encountered a series of twists and turns in their transfer targets, especially in the race for a new winger.
Franck Honorat’s Decision: A Blow to Leeds’ Winger Hunt
One of the primary targets for Leeds this summer was Franck Honorat, the talented 28-year-old French winger currently playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Honorat had been linked with a move to Leeds following an impressive 2023-24 season, where he registered a hand in 14 goals in just 21 appearances despite suffering from some injury setbacks. The Frenchman, who had previously played for clubs like Brest, Clermont, and Nice in France’s Ligue 1, had garnered a reputation as a quick, technical winger capable of contributing to his team’s attack in both goals and assists. With Leeds looking to replace the attacking threat provided by the now-departed Manor Solomon, Honorat had seemed like an ideal fit.
Reports earlier in the summer suggested that Leeds United were making serious inquiries into Honorat’s availability, with manager Adam Underwood reportedly keen on bringing the Frenchman to Elland Road. Honorat’s versatility, ability to play across the forward line, and high pressing style were seen as qualities that would fit perfectly with Leeds’ fast-paced, aggressive brand of football. However, recent developments have dealt Leeds a significant blow in their pursuit of Honorat.
According to Foot Mercato, Honorat is set to sign a new contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach, which will keep him at the Bundesliga club until 2029. This news has effectively removed him from Leeds’ list of potential targets, forcing the club to turn their attention elsewhere. The decision for Honorat to remain at Gladbach is largely driven by the club’s strong desire to keep one of their standout performers, as Foot Mercato had previously declared Honorat to be the club’s “best player” of the 2023-24 season. Despite missing several matches, Honorat’s impact on the pitch was undeniable, and Gladbach are understandably eager to secure his services for the long term.
Leeds will now need to look for alternatives to Honorat, as his departure from their transfer radar leaves a significant gap in their plans for improving the attacking options on the wing. With limited options available, Leeds have been forced to reassess their targets and look for other potential signings who can provide the necessary dynamism and attacking output required to compete in the Championship.
The Pursuit of Igor Paixao: Leeds’ Primary Target
As Franck Honorat moves off the radar, Leeds United’s focus has now firmly shifted toward Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao, who has emerged as their primary target for the winger position. Paixao, a 22-year-old Brazilian talent, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in European football, having impressed in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord over the past couple of seasons. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and attacking flair, Paixao is considered one of the brightest young prospects in Europe. His performances for Feyenoord in both domestic competitions and in European tournaments have made him an attractive option for several top clubs across the continent, and Leeds are now keen to secure his services.
However, signing Paixao has not been straightforward. The Brazilian has already agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 side Marseille, who are eager to bring him to France. Marseille, in their bid to strengthen their squad, have submitted an initial offer of £24 million for Paixao. However, Feyenoord are holding out for a higher fee, reportedly £30 million, and this difference in valuation has created a standoff between the two clubs. As things stand, Marseille have yet to match Feyenoord’s asking price, and this leaves the door open for Leeds United to swoop in and potentially secure Paixao’s signature.
Leeds United’s interest in Paixao has grown in recent weeks as they look to exploit the ongoing negotiations between Feyenoord and Marseille. The potential for Marseille to fail to meet Feyenoord’s valuation could work in Leeds’ favor, as they would then have an opportunity to enter the race for Paixao. With the financial resources available to Leeds after a successful transfer window so far, they are well-positioned to make a competitive offer should Marseille fail to agree to terms. Paixao’s ability to operate on either wing would give Leeds the flexibility and attacking width they need, and his youth and potential for further development align with the club’s long-term vision.
Paixao’s move to Leeds could prove to be a significant coup for the club, adding another dynamic attacking option to the squad alongside players like Stach and Longstaff in midfield. His pace and creativity would be crucial for breaking down Championship defenses, while his ability to contribute to goals and assists would give Leeds an added edge in the final third. His age also means that Leeds could develop him into a key player for the future, potentially reaping the rewards of their investment in the coming seasons.
Remaining Transfer Plans and Manager Underwood’s Vision
With the focus shifting to the winger position, Leeds United’s transfer strategy will likely evolve further as they continue to search for a new goalkeeper and striker. The goalkeeper position remains a priority, as Leeds look to improve their options between the sticks. Although they already have a solid number of goalkeepers in the squad, the club will likely be keen to secure a more experienced and reliable shot-stopper to provide competition for the starting spot.
In addition to a goalkeeper, the search for a striker continues, with Leeds seeking a more established forward who can challenge Lukas Nmecha for a starting role. Nmecha remains an important player for the club, but Underwood will want to ensure that he has the attacking depth necessary to compete for promotion. Whether Leeds target an experienced striker or a younger forward with potential remains to be seen, but adding a proven goal scorer will be key to the club’s chances of success this season.
Conclusion: Leeds United’s Transfer Ambitions
In conclusion, Leeds United’s transfer plans are continuing to take shape as manager Adam Underwood works to assemble a squad capable of competing in the Championship. The signing of Anton Stach has already strengthened the midfield, and with several new additions in defense, Leeds are addressing key areas of weakness. However, the pursuit of a new winger and striker remains crucial, and with Franck Honorat now set to remain at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Leeds are turning their attention to Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao as their primary target. The next few weeks will be critical for Leeds as they seek to complete their summer business and build a squad capable of securing promotion to the Premier League. With the financial backing they have at their disposal and a clear strategy in place, Leeds United are poised to make an impact both in the transfer market and on the pitch in the upcoming season.